Gretchen’s latest return to The Real Housewives of Orange County has come to an abrupt end, with insiders claiming the decision not to bring her back for season 20 was far from mutual.
Gretchen, who appeared as a “friend of” the cast in season 19 after previously starring full time from seasons four through eight, reportedly fell out of favor with producers over inconsistencies in her storytelling. One source alleged she “got caught lying left and right a lot during this season.”
The insider pointed to a moment tied to the show’s infamous “naked wasted” episode. “She said she was in the hospital, then said she wasn’t,” the source claimed. “And that’s just one example.”
Despite the controversy, Gretchen defended herself strongly at the reunion. Bravo executive Andy Cohen even praised her performance. According to the insider, “Andy told her she did a good job defending herself.”
Gretchen also faced scrutiny over social media activity she denied was hers, hiring a company to prove certain posts were altered. However, the source said that situation was not the reason for her exit.
Instead, the network is said to have moved on after getting what it needed from her. “Much like Alexis Bellino the year before, Bravo got what they wanted out of her,” the insider claimed. “They used her, and tossed her aside.”